On Thursday, the class takes a word recognition test.  On this test your child must identify the spelling word from a group of three words.  Two of the words are spelled incorrectly. The other is correct. Your child then colors in the circle in front of the correct word. 

          On Friday, a spelling test is given. At this time the class  must write the word as I say it.  I say the word, use it in a sentence and say it again. I do not call out the words in the order they are written on the spelling list. When you study with your child, be sure to mix up the words when you call them out.

          At the end of the six weeks, the child will have a minimum of 12 grades that will be averaged to obtain the spelling grade which will be placed on his report card. We have a new district policy that says we will give a spelling grade  the first six weeks of first grade. 

          On the chart below, I have listed the words for the current 6 weeks of school.  At the end of each 6 week period I will list the words for the next 6 weeks. This will help you to know what is coming up in our spelling program. As you can see, as time goes on, the words become more difficult. We will also increase our list as the year passes. Second semester we might have as many as 20 words. Below are some tips to help you study spelling words at home.

• Say the word, noticing the beginning, middle and ending sounds.
• Copy  the word several times, saying the letters as you write.
• Close your eyes and see the word in your mind.
• Write the word from memory.
• Call the words out and do a practice test.
• Have them repeat any of the above steps for words that are missed.
• To spice things up, try tracing the words in powder jello on a cookie sheet instead of writing on paper.
• If a small chalkboard is available, the child can dip his finger in water, write the word on the chalkboard and say the word before it disappears.